Lower Gardens

This drawing has been made 2 months ago. I remember, I was just finishing my *hardcore* midterms. I was SO relieve but ABSOLUTELY exhausted as well.

So I went for the first time to the Royal Botanic Garden of Sydney 2 months ago. First time in 4 months, shame on meee I knowww!! But in my defence, we tried to go once before that, but they didn’t let us in because we were on rollerblades. Indeed, any roll skate, skate, bikes, drones, jetpack etc. are prohibited into the Gardens. Aussies are super relaxed in general but paradoxically, they have sometimes some really strict rules. Some of them are even stricter than in Switzerland. I never would have thought that possible (speaking among democratic countries of course) (I love you Switzerland, but I know you know it is true..). For example, if you usually smoke, in Australia, you can say bye-bye to your cigarette after lunch in terrace, or at the bus stop or even on campus (plus the fact that one packet costs 20 bucks).. Another rules is that in some parks you can’t do skateboard. Finally a legend urban says that you won’t be accepted you into a nightclub if you’re wearing Nike (but Adidas seem okay). Somebody told me that it was like a tacit rule. Not sure if my source is reliable though 😉 I have probably been naïve enough to believe rubbish. AGAIN.

Anyway, this time I went to the Royal National Garden, armed with my pair of converse, my watercolour kit and my brush.

“The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is a major botanical garden located in the heart of Sydney, Australia. Opened in 1816, the garden is the oldest scientific institution in Australia and one of the most important historic botanical institutions in the world. It is open every day of the year and access is free. Its stunning position on Sydney Harbour and immediately adjacent to the Sydney CBD, the Sydney Opera House and the large public parklands of The Domain ensure it is one of the most visited attractions in Sydney.” (Wikipedia)

To no one’s surprise, I have been delighted. That’s why I have been back to the Royal Garden several times since. Now, it has no more secrets for me.

Or maybe not any secrets at all, but let’s say fewer secrets than before.

This park is so big: more than 30 hectares into the city center! After the Australian Times Square, we have our local Central Park 😉 The vegetation is incredibly lush and diversified. So green, so living and so wild somehow. There so many things to do. As a good tourist guide (LOL) I am willing to give you some ideas (if you decide to visit me one day) (After consideration, please don’t come, I am busy) (no, I am kidding, I would love you to come but.. not 2 months) (two weeks would be perfect! )

ANYWAY, IF ONE DAY YOU COME:

• You and I could take a break and observe the fish swimming in the pond. I swear that some of them are able to fly. Mariiiine tell them that is it true!!
• Then we could walk slowly through the Palace Gardens, especially through the Rainforest Walk and the Rose Garden and smell the flowers (how romantic).
• Or you could play guitar (if you can play) near the Oriental Garden and I would listen to it, and try to sing. Especially if you play Celine Dion. Nana come!
• Or we could run along the ocean, into the Lower Gardens. We could run with the view on the Opera house and listen to some soundtrack of our life. (and try to imagine that our life is an American movie. or not).
• We could take a nap under the shade of a centenary and comforting tree. And then we could give it a hug and thank it (it is the Schneider’s touch 😉
• We could sit on a bench in front of the red tree and have chitchat. Actually, that was kind of my first meeting with a red tree, before Bali.

Or… we can lie down on the grass and draw for hours in the sun without cap and forget to hydrate ourselves because we are into the flow and finally get an insolation. \0/
That sounds great! I am sure that you are dying to visit me now! I am proud to say that it is virtually what happened to me. More than getting sunburn, I felt super dizzy until the day after. But I really like this drawing, for some reasons so don’t regret anything. (tough girl)

Ahh..hard life for un artiste du dimanche (or you could say “for a spare-time painter” but is it funnier in French).

I hope you enjoyed my professional guided tour!

Have a lovely Sunday. ♪♫

Elsa

PS : Today, it is been exactly 6 months that I left my beautiful France and my beautiful Switzerland! And I am still alive! Amen!

Have you paid attention to my feet, at the bottom of the drawing?(I think I did it well haha) You can click on the picture if you want to see details. 😉

Have you paid attention to the “5arbores” label which is actually in front of 5 trees?
To the 4 trees of my life: Love from the Royal Botanic Garden ♥